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Jeff Hawkins The Hockey Writers

Published on Wednesday, May 3, 2017

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Grant Mismash – 2017 NHL Draft Prospect Profile

Grant Mismash

2016-17 Team: U.S. National Team Development Program (#16)

Date of Birth: February 19, 1999

Place of Birth: Edina, Minnesota

Ht.: 6’0” Wt.: 183 lbs

Shoots: Left

Position: F

NHL Draft Eligibility: Top prospect eligible for 2017 NHL Entry Draft.

Twitter: @GMish16

Rankings

  • NHL Central Scouting: 24th (NA Skaters, Final)
  • NHL Central Scouting: 30th (NA Skaters, Midterm)
  • Future Considerations: 47th

Grant Mismash told NHL.com he likes to “play outside of the game.” Referring to his hard-nosed style, the U.S. National Team Development Program forward utilizes a combination of offensive finesse with defensive physicality. With those tools, he has gained an inside track at being selected in the top two rounds of the 2017 NHL Draft.

With an ability to overpower opponents, Mismash scored a goal as the U.S. Men’s National Under-18 squad topped Finland, 4-2, to capture the gold medal at the IIHF World Championships on April 24. The U.S. squad had a 7-0-0  record during the international showcase.

 

 

Described as a gritty forward, Scouts have witnessed Mismash grapple with defenders for position in front of the net and battle for the puck in corners. He also stood out earlier this season at the USHL Fall Classic East and CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game.

Over the past two seasons with NTDP, Mismash collected 49 goals among 105 points in 123 games. He was also called for 192 penalty minutes.

Improving his play in the defensive zone will be a high priority for Mismash when he moves on to play with the University of North Dakota next season.

NHL Draft Projection

A number of scouts envision Mismash as a mid-low first-round selection, while others see him as a value pick in the second round. His tenacity and offensive promise provide a path to the NHL, but Mismash must focus on improving his defense and effort away from the puck.

Quotables

“He is a rinkrat. He’s a hockey player. He plays with passion. He’s skillful, but he plays with an edge. He doesn’t play like an Edina kid. He plays like a kid who grew up in the country, playing like a farm boy, which is a compliment.” – Tom Ward, former coach at Shattuck-St. Mary’s (Minn.) Prep

“To me, he’s got a little more of a speed game and power game. I think Grant when he’s really wheeling and he stops, starts, and gets to the neutral zone, blue line to blue line with a lot of speed, that adds a tremendous amount of momentum to his game. He’s got to be a guy who continuously is on the hunt. And when he is, he’s an extremely effective player.” – John Wroblewski, NTDP U-18 coach

Statistics

Strengths

  • Physical Presence
  • Scoring Ability
  • Passion

Under Construction (Improvements to Make)

  • Quicker Feet
  • Backchecking
  • Consistency

NHL Potential

Grant Mismash possesses the offensive talent to become a top-six forward. He just needs to improve his backchecking. He also has the energy to battle for rebounds in the crease. In order to skate on the top two lines, however, a coach must be able to trust his defensive game.

Risk-Reward Analysis

Risk – 4/5, Reward 4/5

Fantasy Hockey Potential

Offense – 8/10, Defense – 4/10

Awards/Achievements

Competing in recent international tournaments, Mismash collected two goals and four assists in six games at the 2015 World Under-17 Challenge; three goals in four outings at the 2015 U17 Four Nations Tournament; and one goal and four points in four games at the 2016 U17 Five Nations Tournament. As the second-youngest player on the club in 2014-15, he scored 31 goals to lead Shattuck-St. Mary’s to the USA Hockey Minnesota District 18U Tier I championship.

Interview/Profile Links

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